Downtown Albany Deli Owner Fears Closure Trend

Concerns raised after recent shutdowns of two well-known local delis

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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An Albany deli owner is worried that more local delis may close after the recent shutdowns of Gershon's Deli and Genoa Importing in the Capital Region. Keith Mahler, owner of Maurice's Deli in downtown Albany, believes the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have affected foot traffic and could lead to more deli closures in the area.

Why it matters

The potential closure of more local delis would be a significant loss for the downtown Albany community, which relies on these small businesses for convenient and quality food options. The deli industry has faced challenges in recent years, and the pandemic has exacerbated these issues, raising concerns about the long-term viability of these neighborhood institutions.

The details

Mahler said changes since COVID-19, including reduced foot traffic in downtown Albany, have affected his business. He is concerned that if foot traffic does not increase and more businesses move out of the downtown area, Maurice's Deli may be forced to close as well. Despite the uncertainty, Mahler remains determined to keep his deli open.

  • Gershon's Deli and Genoa Importing recently closed in the Capital Region.

The players

Keith Mahler

The owner of Maurice's Deli in downtown Albany.

Joyce Williams

A customer at Maurice's Deli who appreciates the convenience and quality of the deli.

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What they’re saying

“Right now I'm thinking it's going to be a trend. Because now they're shutting down all over the place.”

— Keith Mahler, Owner, Maurice's Deli (WNYT)

“I like coming here to Maurice's because it's convenient. I work in downtown Albany, Albany County Mental Health, and then, I can run in here, get a soup and a sandwich, and the food is great.”

— Joyce Williams, Customer, Maurice's Deli (WNYT)

What’s next

Mahler said he remains determined to keep Maurice's Deli open, but he is concerned that if foot traffic does not increase and more businesses move out of the downtown area, his deli may also be forced to close.

The takeaway

The potential closure of more local delis in downtown Albany would be a significant loss for the community, highlighting the challenges facing small businesses in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation underscores the importance of supporting these neighborhood institutions and finding ways to revitalize downtown areas to ensure their long-term viability.